What appliances are recommended for participants in contact sports?

• A. Elastomeric separators
• B. Occlusal splints
• C. Athletic mouth guards
• D. Mouth guards

Answer: (D)

In sports dentistry, protecting the teeth and soft tissues during impact is essential. Mouth guards provide a cushioned barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and dispersing blows from collisions and reducing the risk of tooth fractures, lip and cheek injuries, and jaw damage in contact activities. They’re specifically recommended for participants in contact sports because they directly mitigate injury from hits to the mouth. While athletic mouth guards are a common sport-specific type, the broader term mouth guards covers all effective protective options, including custom-fitted and boil-and-bite versions, which offer the best fit and protection. The other devices aren’t designed for protecting the mouth during sports: elastomeric separators are used to create space in orthodontics, and occlusal splints are used for bruxism or TMJ issues, not for active sports protection.